South African star Lebogang Phiri is confident his Brondby side are in for a special season ahead of their playoff match against Panathinaikos.

Phiri’s side face the Greek outfit in a two-legged tie for a place in the Uefa Europa League with the first leg of the tie set to take place on Thursday.

Brondby, historically one of the top sides in Denmark, have undergone troubled times in recent seasons amid their relegation following financial woes.

Phiri, however, is confident the side are nearing a return to their former glory.

‘I came to a historic club,’ Phiri told BT. ‘Their history was so impressive that I had expected much greater things [by now]. But I came at a difficult time when we were coming down and things were difficult financially.

‘I had always hoped that it would get better, and now I think we are heading back to the golden days that Brondby once had,’ he added.

Phiri elaborated by explaining the side is in its best state since his arrival and that the morale of the team has never been better. The midfielder also credited the arrival coach Alexander Zorniger as key to their improvement.

The 21-year-old Phiri was a key player in the side that upset Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin in the previous round of qualifying.

The clash against Panathinaikos will be played at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium.